Last month, I had the privilege of delivering the keynote at a Data and AI Summit hosted by a Major Tech Company (MTC). This event brought together MTC’s largest clients, who were primarily focused on short-term cost-cutting measures. While efficiency is important, I believe effectiveness should always come first. The lack of discussion around understanding and meeting customers’ needs at this summit highlighted a larger issue of mistrust between IT and business counterparts.
During the summit, it became clear to me that the main focus for both MTC and its clients was on reducing costs in the present moment. However, this short-term mindset may be preventing companies from realizing long-term savings and potential opportunities, such as integrating AI technologies. This narrow focus on cost-cutting also leads to neglecting technical debt, which involves the expenses associated with maintaining multiple copies of data. MTC introduced the concept of “data gravity” as a means to address this issue and improve cost efficiency.
The intense focus on cost-saving measures also distracts from the importance of effectiveness in IT operations. Business needs are constantly evolving, and IT departments must be able to respond accordingly. Without continuous dialogue between IT and business counterparts, there is a risk of growing gaps between what the business requires and what IT provides. This lack of alignment can result in decreased overall business performance and value.
The underlying mistrust between business and IT personnel poses a significant challenge that must be addressed over time. One approach to building trust and improving communication is through “pizza diplomacy.” This involves initiating informal meetings over lunch or drinks to break down barriers and establish a foundation for open dialogue. By fostering relationships and understanding between IT and business teams, organizations can work towards overcoming the trust issues that hinder collaboration and progress.
As someone who works at the intersection of business and IT departments, I have observed firsthand the benefits of building trust and improving communication through initiatives like pizza diplomacy. By creating opportunities for casual interactions and meaningful conversations, companies can bridge the gap between different teams and foster a more collaborative and productive work environment. Ultimately, establishing trust and alignment between IT and business counterparts is crucial for achieving long-term success and innovation.
